Few things have as much personal meaning as a wedding dress when keeping precious memories alive and well. Taking care of this one-of-a-kind garment after the wedding is crucial.
The correct packaging is essential for the long-term preservation of a wedding dress. How you pack the dress can majorly affect how it holds up over time. Which begs the question, "How should a cleaned wedding dress be packaged?"
This topic opens up a realm of serious thought and professional opinion. The longevity and quality of the dress are susceptible to factors such as the packaging material used, the environment it is kept in, and how it is handled.
Proper packaging is essential whether you intend to keep it as an heirloom or just want to hold on to it for sentimental reasons. In this piece, we will discuss how to preserve your cleaned wedding dress as a cherished heirloom for years to come.
Storing A Wedding Dress
Whether you're a fan or a hater of weddings, it's natural to want to hold on to a memento from the big day. Many of us keep the garment that was the event's focus, the wedding dress, long after the cake has been eaten and the flowers have been dried.
This blog post will provide tips for long-term storage that should help ensure the longest possible life for your wedding dress, whether it's your own or a family heirloom passed down from your mother or grandmother.
1. Maintain Cleanliness
It's important to ensure your wedding dress (or any other garment) is clean before putting it away. Take your modern dress to the dry cleaners or ask the store where you bought it what they recommend for cleaning it.
A textile conservator and perhaps an object justice of the peace who frequently deals with the costume is the person to see if you have a vintage dress needing conservation. They know how to clean it without causing damage to the antique's delicate materials.
Even conservators' speciality detergents, such as Orvus paste, which is safe for cotton but not silk, contain additives that could harm older fabrics. So, it's important to proceed cautiously and get professional guidance if unsure what to do. It's better to be safe than sorry.
The mud along the bottom may remind you of the time you had to swap your high heels for wellies so that you could dance in comfort at the reception, or the red wine spill may remind you of the time your father-in-law was so nervous that he spilt his drink all over you.
You may choose not to clean them, but remember that lingering stains, dirt, or even sweat can entice pests that feast on expensive fabrics. If you are unsure what to do, a conservator can advise you.
2. Options For Storage
There are primarily two safe places to keep an important dress like a wedding gown:
- It can be hung, or
- It fits neatly into a box.
Which one is the better option? It all depends on your dress style; some bridal gowns have no sleeves at all, while others have sheer sleeves and necklines that can't support much weight.
Those dresses must be packed in a box because the hangers can't handle their weight. When in doubt, go with the safe bet of checking the box.
3. Allowing It To Hang
The hanging method is typically the most space-efficient if you have a sturdy dress that isn't too heavy.
Wedding gowns tend to be heavier than other formal dresses, so finding the right hanger is essential. One made of wood or a solid metal is recommended (not a flimsy wire one). Plastic items fail spectacularly after just a few years, as I've experienced many snapping on me.
Wedding dresses should not be hung by their tiny internal straps or on clip hangers (which can damage the fabric over time) or from the shoulders.
After that, pad your hanger so that the dress is more comfortable and the weight is distributed evenly across the shoulders. After padding the hanger with quilt batting (either cotton or polyester) until there are no sharp edges, you can simply cover it with a piece of solid-coloured cotton cut to size and sewn on.
You should also protect the dress from dust and dirt by placing it in a bag before hanging it on the hanger. Keep the bag out of the reach of any animals (e.g., clothes moths).
You can find a ton of great patterns for costume bags online, or you can buy one already made.
Pick durable materials: Plastic covers aren't a good option because they don't breathe and can break down over time, but Tyvek and calico cotton are.
4. Boxing Deft
You should select the box if your dress has no sleeves, is very delicate, or contains many sheer materials. If you can afford it, invest in a better-quality storage box than one made of cardboard; an acid-free and inert box will be much gentler on your dress.
An archival-grade textile box will protect your dress from light and dust without releasing any harmful chemicals. They are available in a range of sizes to ensure the best fit. The dress may also be stored in a large, transparent plastic box with a tight lid, such as a Useful Box, but this poses the risk of premature fading or light ageing.
Make sure the box is large enough to hold the dress without crunching and has a secure lid in case anything tries to sneak in there (unless you want it to, of course). It must also be sturdy enough to support the garment's weight. Prepare to store your dress by packing it in a box lined with acid-free tissue paper.
Folds should be padded out into C-shapes rather than sharp creases before placing the dress inside the box to avoid damage to the fabric. Make acid-free tissue sausages and insert them in discrete locations.
Tissue puffs can also create the illusion of volume in puffed sleeves and bodices, helping the dress hang realistically as though it were on a wearer. A great video shows how to pack textiles in boxes properly.
5. The Veil, What About It?
Veils, garters, footwear, tiaras, and other accessories are often kept alongside the wedding dress after the big day.
Unlike jewellery and shoes, which can be stored in archival-quality boxes with acid-free tissue (heck, your best footwear might be stored in Tyvek shoe bags), veils tend to be cumbersome and require a more space-efficient solution.
As with dresses, veils shouldn't be jammed into a tiny box; instead, choose a spacious box and carefully place your veil inside, following the same packing principles as described above for your gown to avoid creasing it.
Another option is to carefully roll the veil onto an acid-free tube (while avoiding creases!) and protect it with Tyvek or calico cotton. Wrap some Tyvek or cotton around the rolled-up veil and tube, and you're done!
The Best Ways To Store Your Wedding Dress At Home
Here are some guidelines for storing your gown, though they won't be able to replace the job of a certified, expert gown preservation process.
- Dresses typically have loops sewn into the lining attached to the dress's more sturdy side seams for hanging. Shoulder seams are especially prone to stretching, catching, and breaking.
- Keep your dress away from plastic bags and other sealed containers. Although storing your gown in a plastic bag or container is a good idea, the chemicals released by the plastic can cause the fabric to fade or yellow. Also, if there's condensation inside, mould and mildew can grow.
- Pick a closet or chest where the temperature stays relatively constant for long periods. Due to the extreme humidity and temperature swings in the attic or basement, fabrics and dyes can fade or deteriorate.
- If your dress has intricate detailing, you may want to have it preserved by a professional (such as dresses, veils, gloves, etc). Keep in mind that the leather & glue from your shoes can ruin your dress if you store them in the same box.
- Of course, the first step to making your gown a treasured heirloom is to take as many precautions as possible while you're wearing it. It's better to be safe than sorry on your wedding day.
- Don't risk ruining your dress by using staples or sticky tape to repair ripped straps, broken zippers, or bustle loops; instead, stock up on safety pins.
- It's important to be familiar with your fabric in case of an accident. While synthetic fibres like polyester may be more amenable to spot cleaning, we still advise leaving the job to the experts unless the stain is large and obvious.
- Spot-cleaning synthetic gowns with cool water and air drying work well for water-soluble stains like tea, coffee, and mud. Avoid rubbing the stain! However, any contact with water could result in irreversible stains on silk and rayon.
- Spots are often invisible after using baking soda, baby powder, or cornflour to cover them up.
- Lighter fluid is the only solvent that removes makeup, lipstick, and grease. However, these solvents may also affect the dyes in the fabric, so it's important to test a small area first. Once again, we advise waiting for professional help with any major stains.
If you want to keep your dress pristine for your big day, we have some tips that won't break the bank.
- It would be best to have your wedding dress cleaned & pressed before putting it away, and most professional wedding dress protection services will also provide an alkaline storage bag for you to use.
- Use two large sheets, one to encompass the front of your dress and the other to cover the back, and pin the others together without a gown storage bag. Fitted sheets are best for the job.
- Your chosen box's length should be about a third of your dress's front. Place the gown, front side up, in the centre of the tissue-lined box. Ensure there are no creases or folds in the front of the gown.
- Starting at the side seams, fold this same skirt lengthwise over the clumped tissue until the skirt is narrower than the box.
- The hem of the skirt should be tucked into the box before more bunched tissue is added.
- Now, with the gown's top facing up, fold the top over into the box.
- The bodice, sleeves, and bows that need to be preserved should be stuffed with extra tissue for padding. Remember that the dress shouldn't budge an inch if the box is shaken.
Conclusion
The wedding dress holds significant personal meaning and is essential for keeping precious memories alive. Proper packaging is crucial for the long-term preservation of a cleaned wedding dress, as it affects its longevity and quality. To ensure the best possible storage, it is essential to maintain cleanliness, choose the right hanger, and choose durable materials like Tyvek and calico cotton.
Storing a wedding dress involves hanging it or fitting it neatly into a box. Hanging is typically the most space-efficient method, but finding the right hanger made of wood or solid metal is important. Pad the hanger with quilt batting and cover it with solid-coloured cotton. Place the dress in a bag and keep it out of reach of animals to protect it from dust and dirt.
When selecting a box, invest in an acid-free and inert box made of archival-grade textile box or a large, transparent plastic box with a tight lid. Make sure the box is large enough to hold the dress without crunching anything and has a secure lid. Prepare the dress by packing it in a box lined with acid-free tissue paper, padded out into C-shapes, and using acid-free tissue sausages and tissue puffs to create the illusion of volume in puffed sleeves and bodices.
Store your wedding dress at home in a closet or chest with a relatively constant temperature, as extreme humidity and temperature swings can cause fabric deterioration. If your dress has intricate detailing, have it preserved by a professional. Take precautions while wearing your dress, such as not using staples or sticky tape to repair ripped straps, broken zippers, or bustle loops.
Spot-clean synthetic gowns with cool water and air drying for water-soluble stains, but avoid rubbing them. Lighter fluid is the only solvent that removes makeup, lipstick, and grease, but it may affect the dyes in the fabric.
To keep your dress pristine, have it cleaned and pressed before storing it. Most professional wedding dress protection services will provide an alkaline storage bag. Use fitted sheets to cover the front and back of the dress, and fold the skirt lengthwise over the clumped tissue until it is narrower than the box.
In summary, proper packaging is essential for the long-term preservation of a wedding dress, whether it's a personal heirloom or a family heirloom passed down from the bride. By following these tips, you can ensure the longevity and quality of your wedding dress for years to come.
Content Summary
- Ensure the dress is clean before storing it.
- Consult a textile conservator or a store where the dress was bought for cleaning advice.
- Avoid using specialty detergents that could harm older fabrics.
- Consider the lingering stains, dirt, or sweat that can attract pests.
- Hang the dress in a box to ensure it can handle its weight.
- Hang the dress by its internal straps or clip hangers to prevent damage.
- Pad the hanger with quilt batting and cover it with solid-coloured cotton.
- Protect the dress from dust and dirt by placing it in a bag before hanging.
- Choose durable materials like Tyvek and calico cotton.
- Choose a box with no sleeves, delicate materials, or sheer materials.
- Invest in a better quality storage box made of acid-free & inert material.
- Choose an archival-grade textile box to protect the dress from light & dust without releasing harmful chemicals.
- Prepare the box by packing it in a box lined with acid-free tissue paper.
- Pad the dress out into C-shapes before placing it inside the box to avoid damage to the fabric.
- Use tissue puffs to create the illusion of volume in puffed sleeves and bodices.
- Veils, garters, footwear, tiaras, and other accessories are often kept alongside the wedding dress after the big day.
- Veils require a more space-efficient solution than jewellery and shoes.
- Veils should be carefully packed into a spacious box and placed inside to avoid creasing.
- Another option is to roll the veil onto an acid-free tube and protect it with Tyvek or calico cotton.
- Avoid plastic bags and other sealed containers, as they can cause the fabric to fade or turn yellow.
- Choose a closet or chest where the temperature stays relatively constant for long periods.
- If your dress has intricate detailing, have it preserved by a professional.
- Take precautions while wearing the dress to avoid ruining it.
- Stock up on safety pins instead of staples or sticky tape for repairs.
- Spot-clean synthetic gowns with cool water and air drying for water-soluble stains.
- Lighter fluid is the only solvent that removes makeup, lipstick, and grease.
- Have your wedding dress cleaned & pressed before storing.
- Use two large sheets, one to encompass the front of the dress and the other to cover the back.
- Place the gown, front side up, in the centre of the tissue-lined box.
- Fold the skirt lengthwise over the clumped tissue until the skirt is narrower than the box.
- Fold the top over into the box.
- Stuff the bodice, sleeves, and bows with extra tissue for padding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Dresses
1. Do I Need to Clean My Wedding Dress Before Storing It?
Yes, it's essential to have your dress professionally cleaned before storage to remove any stains or dirt.
2. How Should I Prepare My Dress Before Putting It in Storage?
Ensure the dress is completely dry and any stains are removed. Detach any detachable components, like belts or detachable trains.
3. Should I Hang My Wedding Dress or Fold It for Storage?
It's generally better to fold your dress to prevent stress on the fabric, but you can hang it using a padded hanger.
4. Should I Keep My Wedding Dress in a Cool or Warm Place?
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as sunlight can cause fabric to fade.
5. How Often Should I Check on My Stored Wedding Dress?
It's a good idea to inspect it periodically to ensure no issues, such as moisture or pests.